Browns hire 49ers' Woods as DC

Former San Francisco 49ers defensive backs coach and passing-game coordinator Joe Woods is the Cleveland Browns' new defensive coordinator, the team announced Friday.

He joins the staff of new head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was hired to replace Freddie Kitchens.

Woods had to wait until Wednesday to formally interview with the Browns due to San Francisco's run to Super Bowl LIV.

The 49-year-old spent eight seasons as defensive backs coach of the Minnesota Vikings from 2006-13. Stefanski also joined the Vikings in 2006 and moved up the team's coaching ranks, eventually becoming Minnesota's full-time offensive coordinator in 2019.

Woods also has experience as a coordinator, having led the Denver Broncos' defense from 2017-18 under Vance Joseph.

Cleveland's offense will be run by former Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt.

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